Ford picked the Los Angeles Auto Show to reveal the aging Escape’s replacement — the outgoing vehicle has remained more or less unchanged for almost a dozen years. This time around, the Escape has style, substance and a variety of powertrains, although there’s no longer a hybrid. Gone is the box on wheels in favour of something that is as contemporary and as attractive as any of its competitors, the majority of which have been redone in the recent past. Likewise, the interior design and layout takes a big step forward. The materials are much better, there’s plenty of stretch-out space and the required cargo room — 34.3 cubic feet with the seats up and 68.1 cu. ft. down.

The Escape’s new engine offerings include the base 168-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which is teamed with a six-speed manumatic transmission. Of more interest is a pair of turbocharged EcoBoost engines. The first is a 1.6L four that puts out 173 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L version spins out a V6-like 237 hp and, more importantly, 250 lb-ft of torque. In both cases, these engines are teamed with the six-speed manumatic and are available with all-wheel drive. The last bit has been upgraded to make it proactive in its distribution of the torque front to rear through an electromagnetic central clutch.

The Escape also brings a host of functional upgrades. The first is the latest version of MyFord Touch. It now uses larger icons, is easier to use and its reaction to input is considerably faster than before. The good news is that anyone owning the previous version will receive a free upgrade that brings the older version up to speed. The second innovation is simply cool. Walk up to the Escape with the smart key in your pocket, make a kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper and the tailgate powers open automatically. It also works in reverse so there’s no need to put down an armful of packages to close the gate. As they say, the small things often make the bigger difference.

Lincoln

Lincoln has updated both the MKT and MKS. In both cases, the changes are found in the sheetmetal — new grille and so on — and suspension, which now includes the ability to tune the ride according to the tempo of the drive. The Continuously Controlled Damping shocks rely on 46 inputs. The electronic overseer then calculates the optimal damping characteristics 500 times a second. If needed, it can actually alter the damping 20 times in one second, making it a real-time system. Lincoln says the net effect is a 20% reduction in body roll and, by keeping the tires firmly planted on the road, a 25% reduction in understeer.

The driver can control the active dampers through Lincoln Drive Control. In normal mode, the system balances ride and handling. Sport mode stiffens the damping by 30%, firms the steering, sharpens the throttle response and forces the transmission to upshift later, all of which brings a more positive driving experience. The traction control system also allows the driver a little more latitude before reining in the fun. There is also a comfort mode – why?

Chrysler/Fiat

It is now official — the much-anticipated Fiat 500 Abarth is coming to Canada. Along with its race-inspired livery, a body kit that includes a rear spoiler and twin tailpipes as well as projector-style fog lights, the Abarth earns a sport suspension and better brakes. The front spring rates are 40% stiffer, while the Koni front shocks alter the amount of damping according to the speed of the body’s motion. The rear suspension has been beefed up and is 20% stiffer. The ride height has also been lowered by 15 millimetres. This combination promises to take the softness out of the 500’s handling.

The biggest single improvement, however, addresses the basic car’s lack of horsepower. The 1.4L MultiAir engine now has air force-fed into its cylinders by an intercooled turbocharger. This ups the stallion count to a rewarding 160 horsepower from a rather weak 101. The power is fired to the road through optional P205/40R17 tires and a five-speed manual gearbox. Inside, it is more of the same — racier seats, more standard equipment and an analogue turbo boost gauge that surrounds an upshift light. Pity about that last bit.

General Motors

The Chevrolet Spark is a sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch aimed squarely at the entry-level buyer. The stylishly bold Spark — it actually looks like a three-door because the rear door handles are integrated into the black trim around the C-pillar — is powered by a 1.2L four-cylinder engine that delivers 85 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. This is hardly the stuff of lore, but it is only motivating 1,029 kilograms of car so it should be capable of moving the front bumper. Power is relayed to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic.

The Spark is also set to become the first car in the subcompact segment to offer a seven-inch touchscreen as a part of Chevrolet’s MyLink. The infotainment system displays audio information, incorporates a smart phone-based navigation system and the Bluetooth functions. The Spark also boasts 10 air bags, including driver and passenger knee bags.

The Spark is set for launch in Canada mid-2012. In 2013, Chevrolet promises an all-electric version of its mini-car. At this juncture, information is thin, although there is irony — it will feature a 114-hp electric motor. Go figure.